Another year has came and went, and needless to say it was packed full of some fantastic cinema. From superhero blockbusters, to beautiful animated features, and some truly chilling horror, 2018 has delivered the goods across every cinematic genre. We've seen remakes, sequels, big-budget hits, and indie successes, which is why it's so difficult to wittle this list down to just 20 films (although to cram in any more would just seem a bit excessive). As always with these lists they are based on Irish release dates, so films that may be released in the states by the end of the year but haven't reached us yet won't be included. Conversely, films that would have been released in the states last year, but only found an Irish release date this year could be included. Now, let's get on with the list then shall we?
20. A Star is Born (Bradley Cooper)
The fact that this is the fourth remake of the original 1937 film means that on paper, it should have no right to be as good as it is. However, the career-defining performances from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, as well as Coopers own strong direction, breathe new life into this age-old story. Cooper is seasoned country musician Jackson Maine, while Gaga is Ally, a rising singer discovered by Maine with whom he falls in love. The rest as they say, is history, and while the story of rising fame vs declining fame isn't something new, we can't help but become engaged in the relationship between Ally and Jackson. Cooper and Gaga are both absolutely phenomenal, both in their individual performances and shared onscreen chemistry, not to mention their musical prowess as well. I know 'natural chemistry' is a term that's thrown around these days, but when you watch these two onscreen together you could swear that they really are that in love. Engaging, poignant, and downright heartbreaking at times, A Star is Born seems like the perfect contender for awards season, and Cooper and Gaga well and truly deserve it.
19. Black '47 (Lance Daly)
For such a tragic period in Irish history, the great famine is something that has little to no coverage on the big screen. This year however, Black '47 explored the grim reality of this horrific event, using it as a backdrop for a gripping Western-revenge film (technically it is a Western as it's set in Connemara, do not fight me on this). Here we follow James Feeney (Andrew Frechville), a vengeful ex-ranger who goes on a bloody crusade against Ireland's oppressors, while being pursued by disgraced British veteran Hannah (Hugo Weaving). Revenge films can be hit or miss these days, but Black '47 never misses the mark and delivers a really solid tale of retribution. Packed full of some truly grim moments and a couple of tense action setpieces, it's a film that constantly keeps us on our toes awaiting the next move. Not only does it succeed in that respect, but it also handles the historical material fairly well, and never shies away from the harsh truths of British oppression during this dark period. Weaving is phenomenal as always, but Australian actor Andrew Frechville really steals the show with some strong physical acting and excellent handling of the Irish language. It's not often that Ireland gets a film like Black '47, and I hope that it will inspire future historical Hiberno-sploitation films to come.
18. An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn (Jim Hosking)
Jim Hosking really had a strong debut with his bizarro gross-out film The Greasy Strangler, and while his sophmore effort might ditch most of the gross-out, it's an equally strange take on life. The basic premise is that Lulu Danger (Aubrey Plaza) teams up with hired-hand Colin (Jemaine Clement) after stealing money from her husband and setting off to a hotel, where a mysterious event is set to take place starring the enigmatic Beverly Luff Linn (Craig Robinson). With its unusual dialogue and strange situations, Beverly Luff Linn unites the perfect cast to handle such unique material, with the aforementioned Plaza, Clement, and Robinson joined by the likes of Matt Berry and Sky Elobar (star of Hosking's last film). It's a dream cast for Hosking and every actor seems to understand the oddball material, making for a match made in heaven. Hosking once again proves that he is a master of uncomfortable comedy, crafting these strange, often intentionally-cringy situations, and allowing the hilarity to unfold. With any ordinary actors this film may not have worked, but with such a powerful union of these masters of deadpan handling Hosking's script, An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn is elevated to new levels of niche comedy.
17. A Quiet Place (John Krasinski)
John Krasinski took on the roles of both leading man and director, in this post-apocalyptic horror about a family fending off creatures with an enhanced sense of hearing. A Quiet Place absolutely oozes tension in a similar manner to Don't Breathe two years ago. The minimal use of sound or dialogue makes every single noise feel purposeful and effective, any sound could set these creatures off and therefore noise equals danger. The film expands upon that concept as well by showing various coping mechanisms that this family use to survive, such as not wearing shoes or using soft objects as monopoly counters, it's small-scale world-building at its finest. What really ties this film together however is its family dynamic, led by Krasinski and the equally talented Emily Blunt, who is also his real-life spouse. Their onscreen relationship with both each other and the younger actors is what builds the emotional heart of the film, making the stakes feel all too real. A Quiet Place is a masterful exercise in suspense with a strong emotional core that keeps us involved, and keeps the film itself a little more grounded.
16. Bad Times at the El Royale (Drew Goddard)
From Drew Goddard, who penned the excellent Cabin in the Woods, this film follows a group of strangers whose paths cross at an enigmatic hotel on the California-Nevada border. The less said about the plot, the better however, as the El Royale offers a wonderfully twisted tale full of unpredictable moments and equally unpredictable characters. Just when you think things are about to go left in the El Royale, they take a sharp right before doing a complete U-turn, and it's a fun experience learning who these characters are and why they're all here. It's a very character-driven story, and the likes of Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Bridges round off the strong ensemble cast, carrying the material extremely well. Drew Goddard once again proves himself to be a very talented screenwriter and crafts a complex tale that deals with themes such as counter-culture, conspiracy theories, and political tensions. Taking elements from the likes of the Coen's and Tarantino, Goddard crafts a film that's both fun and familiar, while simultaneously subverting expectations right the way through. The title might suggest bad times ahead, but the El Royale is one hell of a good one.
15. Avengers: Infinity War (Joe & Anthony Russo)
The culmination of 10 whole years of storytelling from Marvel Studios, it's safe to say that Infinity War was the most anticipated film of the year, and it did not disappoint. Bringing together a sprawling ensemble cast of MCU legends, the film sets our heroes up against Josh Brolin's villainous Thanos, who finally steps out of the shadows to put his master plan in action. Once again the Russo brothers displayed their unmatched talents for balancing spectacle with substance, delivering a momentous blockbuster laden with both wonderful effects and emotional resonance. Every major player is given something to do, with some character arcs coming to an emotional end, and others taking intriguing new turns. Even Thanos himself goes through his own powerful story arc, developing him into the MCU's most imposing and complex villains yet. It was a wild ride from start to finish, and that gut-punch of an ending has without a doubt left fans everywhere eagerly awaiting next years sequel. Until then, there's plenty of time to revisit Infinity War again and again, if your heart can take it that is.
14. First Reformed (Paul Schrader)
The multi-talented Paul Schrader returns to the directors chair with First Reformed, a film which focuses on troubled Reverend Ernst Toller (Ethan Hawke) and how a tragic incident within his parish changes his outlook on the world, bringing his faith into question. First Reformed is a truly fascinating character study that centers on Ethan Hawke's conflicted clergyman. Delving into themes such as climate change and naturally, religion, the film uses Hawke's character as a perspective on the current state of the environment and the greedy forces behind it. Hawke is a sheer powerhouse as Reverend Toller, beginning as a more reserved man before slowly developing into a much more powerful force. While the pacing might have put some people off, Hawke's strong performance and Schrader's wonderful script keep the film steady as it approaches its incredibly tense climax. Once you realise where this film's headed, you won't be able to look away for a second. An engaging and eloquent character study that becomes continuously relevant as it progresses, First Reformed marks a new highlight in the careers of both Schrader and Hawke.
13. Mandy (Panos Cosmatos)
Nicolas Cage, demonic bikers, and chainsaw duels, this is the essence of Panos Cosmatos' Mandy. A psychedelic revenge tale with a supernatural twist, Mandy pits Cage's Red Miller against mad cult leader Jeremiah Sand (Linus Roache), after the latter kidnaps the former's girlfriend Mandy (Andrea Riseborough). Mandy is one gnarly trip to say the least, combining mind-bending visuals with hardcore violence and grotesque effects, Cosmatos never holds back while touring us through his warped world. It's a thoroughly unique exercise in exploitation, that feels like it burst straight out of some supernatural VHS tape from the 1980's. But aside from that, Mandy is also firmly anchored by strong performances from all its main players, with Cage and Riseborough particularly grounding their characters. Cage is surprisingly subtle for the most part, but when he finally lets loose, he really goes hard. It's also worth noting that the films synthy score was put together by late composer Jóhann Jóhannsson who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. This is easily one of his best works. Mandy is a film that has been instantly elevated to cult status, and it's more than a well deserved achievement for Cosmatos and all others involved.
12. Suspiria (Luca Guadagnino)
Initial word of a Suspiria remake didn't exactly rub everyone the right way, but thankfully Luca Guadagnino delivered a spellbinding re-imagining of Dario Argento's seminal classic. Taking the basic premise of an American dancer attending a mysterious dance school in Germany, this iteration of Suspiria goes down a whole other route to its predecessor. Stripping away the colourful imagery and pulsating score, this version delves into the cold world of divided Germany circa '77, amidst the conflict involving the Red Army Faction. It's worlds away from what we imagine Suspiria to be, but the desire to try something new is one of the films strongest assets. Guadagnino pays immense respect to the works of Argento throughout, while simultaneously weaving his own web of terror to ensnare us in. It's a film that deals out its shocks in sporadic doses, but when they finally do come around they leave a major impact, one particular scene still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. Perhaps one of the most unforgettable aspects of this film however, is the momentous performance from Tilda Swinton, who takes on three vastly different roles throughout in one of her most memorable appearances yet. It's been a divisive film to say the least, but in my humble opinion this Suspiria remake stands among the likes of Carpenter's The Thing and Cronenberg's The Fly.
11. Coco (Lee Unkrich)
Pixar got off to a very strong start this year with Coco, a supernatural, musical adventure set amidst the day of the dead festival in Mexico. Centering around aspiring young musician Miguel, the film follows his journey through the afterlife during Día de Muertos in order to find his deceased ancestor and return to the land of the living. Coco combines all of Pixar's strongest assets and more, from the gorgeous animation, to the masterful world-building, to the hilarious humour, and wonderful soundtrack, this is Pixar at its finest. The animation and story are also complimented by a fantastic voice-cast including its young star Anthony Gonzalez, and Mexican actor Gael García Bernal as the charming undead musician Hector. They all breathe such energy and personality into their respective roles, for a film primarily about the dead, Coco is full of life. In typical Pixar fashion however it's a very emotional affair by the end of it all, and Coco proves that it can pull on the heart strings of people of all ages. Coco is without a doubt a massive achievement for Pixar, but furthermore it's a huge achievement for the world of animation in general.
10. Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (Bob Perschietti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman)
With three different big-screen Spider-men, a number of animated series, and countless video-games in less than two decades, it's understandable if you've already reached Spidey-fatigue. However, Sony's animated Spidey-story Into the Spiderverse not only breathes new life into the web-head, but also into the superhero genre itself. Peter Parker is not the main focus here however, instead we follow the first black Spider-Man, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), in his own heroes journey. However, in order to save the city this time he must ally himself with a number of Spider-folk from different dimensions including an alternate Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and an older, more jaded Peter Parker (Jake Johnson). Spiderverse packs so much material into its 117 minute runtime without ever feeling uneven or overstuffed. With seven different spider-people, a number of villains, and countless gags and cultural references, the film has some masterful screenwriting behind it courtesy of Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman. It's a masterclass in universe building that flows almost effortlessly throughout. Along with that, the film has some stellar visuals to match and every frame feels as though it has been lifted from the panels of a comic book. In a genre that a lot of people are becoming increasingly tired with, Into the Spiderverse is a breath of fresh air that opens a whole universe (or several) of possibilities for our friendly neighbourhood webslinger.
9. Annihilation (Alex Garland)
Last year Blade Runner 2049 proved that there was still an audience for smart sci-fi, and Alex Garland's Annihilation continued to prove this point earlier this year. Based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer, the film follows an all-female expedition into 'The Shimmer', a quarantined zone plagued with alien radiation. On the surface it's a visually captivating journey into a surreal world of mutating flora and fauna, allowing for some breathtaking imagery that ranges from beautiful to horrifying. Grotesque creations like that howling skeleton bear have since been etched into the nightmares of anybody who has watched the film. However, the film digs deeper into themes such as grief and self-destruction, focusing on an ensemble of character who have all entered the shimmer for deeply personal reasons. Natalie Portman leads the ensemble as Lena, a biologist whose motivation for joining the expedition stems from the guilt surrounding certain infidelities in her marriage. It's a beautifully bleak odyssey through a world that feels so grounded yet so alien, and it's a shame that it never made it to the big screen on this side of the Atlantic. However, due to its massive success on Netflix, maybe distributors will learn from such mistakes in the future.
8. Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson)
In his final role before retirement, Daniel Day-Lewis reunited with his There Will Be Blood director Paul Thomas Anderson, in a gothic drama that delves into the world of the London fashion industry mid-20th century. Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned and meticulous fashion designer who falls in love with young waitress Alma (Vicky Krieps), and whose life begins to change drastically due to their unusual relationship. It's expected that Day-Lewis would be nothing less than spectacular in his final role, but what really holds the film together is his chemistry with his female co-stars. Both Krieps and Leslie Manville (who plays Woodcock's sister Cyril) have an incredible onscreen presence that manage to match that of Day-Lewis, this is as much their film as it is his. While it's easy to praise Phantom Thread for its costume design, cinematography, or elegant score from Johnny Greenwood, what I loved most about it was how surprisingly funny it was. Anderson's script is packed full of so much subtle wit that the cast members all handle down to a tee, if you can't find any humor in Reynold's 'chic' rant then I question whether you have any sense of humour at all. A truly exquisite cinematic experience, if Phantom Thread really is the final role of Daniel Day-Lewis, then it's a damn fine way to wrap up his extensive career.
7. Lady Bird (Greta Gerwig)
With Lady Bird, writer-director Greta Gerwig takes us on a deeply personal journey through sleepy sacremento, through the eyes of eccentric teenage rebel Christine 'Lady Bird' McPhearson (Saoirse Ronan). Throughout the film we follow our protagonist through the various trials and tribulations of her life, from her relationship with her mother, her best friend, and aspirations for college, it's a very grounded story told through such a unique perspective. Saoirse Ronan brings to life this wonderful character, supposedly a version of Gerwig's own teenage self, whose life feels akin to that of any working-class teenage girl growing up in a small town. The setting and character is made so specific, but overall the beauty of Lady Bird is that you can probably relate to it regardless of where you're from. On the surface this is a coming-of-age comedy, but it's the poignant little details in Gerwig's script and direction that elevate it above other films in such a sprawling genre. Be it minor, yet crucial scenes involving supporting characters, or powerful moments such as Lady Bird's mother (Laurie Metcalf) driving back to the airport, Gerwig captures a diveristy of emotions in the films 94 minute runtime. With such a tight script and plenty of now-iconic moments, Lady Bird will no doubt be the coming of age film for this generation of young women.
6. Climax (Gaspar Noé)
Filmmaker Gaspar Noé has built his career around being a provocateur, and Climax is certainly no exception. What begins as a simple celebration for a French dance troupe soon descends into a terrifying odyssey into insanity, when they learn that their sangria has been laced with LSD. Kicking off with a wonderfully choreographed dance number, Climax is a dazzling piece of work to begin with, but its dreamlike nature abruptly becomes a nightmare at the halfway point. With tilting and distorting camera angles, extremely long tracking shots, and some truly skin-crawling sequences, Climax invokes similar sentiments to Darren Aronofksy's mother! However, while mother! was a surreal parable, Climax feels all too real, and in a way that makes this little dance-sploitation flick all the more unnerving. By the time it reaches its final half hour, the film plunges its audience into a head-spinning nightmare trip that left me personally teetering from the edge of my seats. This is certainly not for the fainthearted, something that is almost foreshadowed in the opening scene by a pile of VHS tapes including Argento's Suspiria and Zulawksi's Possession. However, with its incredible direction, pounding soundtrack, and variety of stomach-turning sequences, Climax is a terrifying trip worth taking.
5. You Were Never Really Here (Lynne Ramsay)
Despite what the title might lead you to believe, this is not a follow up to the mockumentary where Joaquin Phoenix takes up a rap career. Rather, it's a thriller in which Phoenix plays a hired hand tasked with rescuing a senators daughter from her mysterious captors. While the premise sounds like something we've seen before, director Lynne Ramsay ensures that nothing about You Were Never Really Here feels familiar. Sure there are echoes of David Lynch and Scorsese's Taxi Driver, but this is firmly a Lynne Ramsay movie. The way she plays around with certain sequences, such as framing one action sequence entirely through CCTV cameras, really gives a unique edge to the film, and an overall sense of unpredictability. Joaquin Phoenix stands front and center in a truly dynamic performance as hired hand Joe, a man of little words, but of endless depth. Ramsay delves into this characters fractured psyche in a way that feels compelling and never exploitative, he's easily one of the most intriguing protagonists of 2018. An endlessly nailbiting experience from start to finish, You Were Never Really Here solidifies Lynne Ramsay as one of modern cinemas most powerful voices, not that there was ever any doubt about that.
4. Sorry to Bother You (Boots Rielly)
The hotly anticipated directorial debut from Boots Riley had a bit of a delay with its international release, but when it finally came along, it came in with a bang. Set in an alternate version of Oakland, the film sees telemarketer Cassius 'Cash' Green climbing the ladder of success after discovering a hidden talent for using his 'white voice'. The less said about what happens next, the better, as Sorry to Bother You is a delightfully surreal journey to say the least. The world of this film feels like a more exaggerated version of our own, but at its heart we are a lot more closer to alternate Oakland than we might think. Dealing with themes such as the issues with capitalism and white supremacy, Boots Riley never holds back when packing his punches. Instead he delivers blow after blow of impactful and insightful commentary with his own surreal twists and turns. It never feels too preachy though, and instead the film revels in its own ludicrous nature to provide for plenty of laughs and 'what the fuck' moments, while still getting its points across. Packed with great talents such as Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Armie Hammer, and full of such biting, over the top satire, Sorry to Bother You is a true work of genius that has to be seen to be believed.
3. BlacKkKlansman (Spike Lee)
The latest 'joint' from director Spike Lee takes a look at the true story of ex-police officer Ron Stallworth, the first black officer in Colorado Springs, who leads an operation to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Dealing with topics such as racism and white-power is always a tricky one, but who better than Spike Lee to deal with these issues, in a film that feels all too relevant in our modern Trumpian era. Lee never shies away from drawing comparisons between the films 70's setting and our current political climate, even going as far as to include footage of the 2017 Charlotteseville rally at the end. It's a powerful piece of cinema that displays the sheer hatred and bigotry that continues to fester as the years go by. In a bold move by Lee however he packs the film full of humour and satire, with an incredible script by himself and his three co-writers. It is hilarious at times, but much like last years Get Out, the comedy never underplays the severity of it all, and Spike Lee manages to find the perfect balance between the humour and the real issues at hand. John David Washington and Adam Driver are both astounding as Stallworth and Detective Zimmerman, the man who physically infiltrates the Klan, while Topher Grace stands out in his role as Klan leader and all 'round dirtbag David Duke. A politically-charged piece of history that finds the perfect balance between humour and suspense, BlacKkKlansman is without a doubt one of the most important films of the year.
2. Hereditary (Ari Aster)
By far the stand-out horror film of 2018, and rightfully so, Hereditary follows troubled mother Annie Graham (Toni Collette) and her family, who become plagued by supernatural forces following the death of her own mother. While the premise of Hereditary sounds all too familiar, writer-director Ari Aster throws curveballs a-plenty to make this a film that is as unpredictable as it is unsettling. The final half-hour in particular descends into pure nightmare fuel, and is full of horrific imagery that is still sure to keep audiences up at night. The scares are only half of what makes Hereditary so special however, as it's the domestic drama at the center of it all that really elevates the film. The dynamic between Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, and Millie Shapiro, is different from your normal horror film family, but it's essentially what makes the film feel so grounded in reality. Bringing out the sheer sense of grief and depression felt by her character, Toni Collette channels one of her greatest performances to date and by far one of the most harrowing of 2018, the Academy should take note. The horrors that plague Hereditary may be otherworldly, but it's the more human horrors that really make the film such an unnerving experience. A distressting domestic drama packed with some of the most terrifying sequences in modern horror cinema, Hereditary is bound to scare audiences for generations to come.
1. The Shape of Water (Guillermo Del Toro)
No modern filmmaker understands monster movies like Guillermo Del Toro does, and in The Shape of Water he flips all those classic tropes on their heads to grant us one of the most beautiful films of the year. Following the romance between mute cleaner Eliza (Sally Hawkins) and a mysterious fish-man (Doug Jones), the film may sound almost perverse on the surface, but Del Toro handles the subject with so much elegance and humanity that it never feels in poor taste. It is by far one of his most mature and complete films to date, focusing on themes such as prejudice, the Cold-War, and most importantly love. Hawkins and Jones both give incredible physical performances, with the former particularly standing out with all the natural pathos she brings to her character. On paper there shouldn't be much chemistry between a woman and a fish-man, but Guillermo Del Toro cast the perfect actors to make it work. On top of that, The Shape of Water is oozing with gorgeous visuals, from its nautical colour scehem to its detailed sets, the film borders on the worlds of fantasy and reality in typical Del Toro fashion. It's a marvel to behold, and it rightfully gained four wins at the Academy Awards including best picture and best director for Del Toro, an accolade that was long overdue for the Mexican filmmaker. An unconventional romance to say the least, The Shape of Water is without a doubt one of the most unique monster movies ever put to screen, and a new high point for Del Toro's career.
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